Arabology has just spotlighted the Top 20 indie/alternative Arabic Songs of 2016 during a special year-end episode which aired on KZSU 90.1 FM on Dec 10, 2016. You can hear the podcast below or at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/topsongs2016

Presented with commentary in English by Stanford Lecturer + Radio Host Dr. Ramzi Salti, the show featured an amazing array of independent Arab musicians coming from Iraq, Sudan, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria--including several Arab musicians living in Sweden, France, Israel, Canada and the USA.

Out of the Top 20 Arabic songs, 7 were by female vocalists, 7 by male musicians, and 6 by groups/bands. The list also featured 2 live tracks and one duet in Arabic + Spanish.

This year's "Top 20" list boasted musicians that sing in a variety of musical genres--from Jazz and Hip Hop to Rock and Ballads, to a hybrid variety that fuses Western and Eastern beats in surprisingly creative ways.

Listen to the podcast to discover new trends and talent that defined the alternative/indie Arabic music scene in 2016--and be prepared to be awestruck by the impressive amount musical productions that have been coming out of a region where music is all too often dismissed or ignored in the West.

Back in 2014, I had the chance to interview, by phone, a dancer named Ahmad Joudeh who was then living under the harshest of circumstances in Syria. At the time, he was cautiously thrilled to have the chance to participate in the Arabic version of So You Think You Can Dance where he did quite well (though he did not win). You can watch his audition below or at https://youtu.be/5acMbA0Mqx0

Ahmad was applauded by the judges on the show, particularly legendary dancer Pierre Dulaine who immediately believed in Ahmad's dream and the power of dance to heal. Ahmad recognized Mr. Dulaine's kindness and encouragement during my interview with him which aired on KZSU 90.1 FM in 2014. You can listen to that interview below or at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/ahmadjoudeh2

It was very difficult for Ahmad to return to Syria after having tasted success on Lebanese TV through SYTYCD. He nevertheless did so and continued to dance despite the tragic circumstances he was witnessing on a daily basis.

Two years later, in 2016, Dutch TV came to Syria and were so touched by dancer Ahmad Joudeh's story that Reporter Roozbeh Kaboly started filming him around Damascus and even went with him to the ancient city of Palmyra where Ahmad Joudeh literally danced in the ruins. That TV report aired on Dutch TV in August 2016. You can watch it below or at https://youtu.be/vqJQOMZCiwY

That Dutch TV report resounded with Ted Brandsen, Director of the Dutch National Ballet. Funds were then raised to bring Ahmad to the Netherlands, an effort that was spear headed by Nicolas Mansfield, Director of Nederlandse Reisopera.

An unexpected outcome resulted from that documentary when, 4 months later, Ahmad Joudeh arrived to Amsterdam--an event that was filmed in Part 2 of the documentary "Dance or Die" which, like Part 1, aired on Nieuwsuur (Dutch TV). You can watch that footage below or at https://youtu.be/FIk2vfl_Sz8

Shortly after his arrival to the Netherlands, Ahmad began dancing with the Dutch National Ballet.

"This coming Saturday Ahmad Joudeh will have his debut at the Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam," wrote Nicolas Mansfield on December 6, 2016. "His story must be a lesson to us all. That it is good to dream of better things. And that these dreams can become reality. And that through the pain and devastation of war the message of hope will triumph. Many of the so-called 'leaders' of our world are masters of deception, manipulation and injustice. Through his dance Ahmad shows us the real power of peace. In my book that makes him a true hero."

Rania Kurdi aka the Arab Tracey Ullman has just released a new song and video that humorously deal with so-called celebrities and superficiality in the media. Titled 'Weslat' [Message Received], the video features Jordanian rap artist Amer Al-Taher and is brilliantly directed by Zaid Bawab. It showcases Rania in playing different characters doing what she does best--satirically commenting on so called celebrities who are more concerned with image than content.

This NEW radio interview with legendary ballroom dancing champion Pierre Dulaine showcases his new book "Take the Lead" in which he recounts his life--from his birth in Jaffa (يافا) in 1944 to a Palestinian mother and Irish father, to his childhood in Jordan, to his Dancing Classrooms Global Initiative, to his films (Dancing in Jaffa and Take the Lead starring Antonio Banderas), to his judging experience on the Arabic version of So You Think You Can Dance - يلّا نرقص and Dancing with the Stars - رقص النجوم ).

In this interview, Pierre Dulaine also reveals intimate details about his personal life for the first time as he broaches topics ranging from identity politics to sexual orientation.

Arabology's interview with Omar Kamal aka "The Arab Sinatra" was recorded on November 18, 2016 at KZSU 90.1 FM (Stanford University). It includes a sample of Omar's English songs and such Arabic songs as 'Mawtini موطني'.

This interview coincides with the release of Omar Kamal's first single with Sony Music titled "Love Never Looked So Good"--a classic take on the Michael Jackson hit featuring the same guitarist that worked on Michael Jackson’s ‘Dangerous’ album (Tim Pierce).

Omar also discussed his forthcoming album--produced by Dave Pierce and Bob Rock--which was mixed by 23-time Grammy award winner Al Schmitt of Capitol Studios in Hollywood.

Omar Kamal in Rome

Omar's single "Love Never Felt So Good" is accompanied by an elegant video clip which was filmed in Rome. The video has already amassed over 74,000 views on YouTube.

The interview, which was conducted in English and Arabic, also featured a selection of Omar's songs in Arabic. Of those, we will highlight his critically acclaimed version of "Mawtini موطني " and his performance of Les Miserables in Arabic. Both are featured below:

In this interview, Bassem discussed his time in residency at Stanford; his TV show Al-Bernameg (a satirical news program which ran from 2011 to 2014); his current project titled 'The Democracy Handbook'; and his upcoming book and documentary.

Tunisian singer Emel Mathlouthi aka the Voice of the Tunisian Revolution, thrilled audiences at Stanford University when she came to the campus on Oct 5-6, 2016 where she conducted a lunch talk at the Markaz (moderated by Stanford Lecturer Dr. Ramzi Salti), an unforgettable concert at Bing Concert Hall, and a student matinee, also at the Bing, the following day. These events were made possible by Stanford Live, the Abbasi Program in Islamic Studies and the Institute for Diversity in the Arts as part of a series called Islamic Voices.

A strident songstress whose intensity is cloaked in mellifluous vocals, Emel Mathlouthi is also known for her role as a leading artist in the Arab Spring. Born in Tunis, she was shunned from her country's official airwaves but rose to prominence through social media. She released her first album, Kelmti Horra (my word is free) in 2012, garnering lavish praise from critics and fans for her powerful vocals laid over a unique mix of north african rythyms and modern electronic beats. Her 2015 was prolific, including work on a new album with producer Valgeir Siggurdson and culminating with her solo performance at the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony. Called one of the top fifteen acts of 2015 by popmatters, Emel Mathlouthi is a unique artist with a powerful message and a voice beyond comparison (source emelmathlouthi.com).

During her lunch talk at Stanford's Markaz Resource Center on Oct 5, Emel Mathlouthi conversed with Dr. Ramzi Salti about her music, career and thoughts on the Tunisian Revolution. Below is a video containing highlights from that talk (link at https://youtu.be/vreomAqUIWc)

Emel Mathlouthi's major concert at Bing Concert Hall later that evening proved to be a huge success with the singer performing hits from her first CD Kelmti Horra and her upcoming CD Ensan (to be released in January 2017). The concert was preceded by a PRE-CONCERT TALK at 6:30 pm by Dr. Ramzi Salti, host of the Arabology radio show/podcast, and Professor Joel Beinin--both of whom set the stage in a discussion of the Tunisian Revolution, how it launched the Arab Spring, and how Mathlouthi's music became its soundtrack.

After the concert, Emel Mathlouthi met with scores of her fans backstage, signing autographs and taking pictures with fans who came from all over the San Francisco bay area to attend her show.

Emel Mathlouthi with Dr. Ramzi Salti (right) and her siblings Walid and Narjess

Ramzi Salti with Emel Mathlouthi

The day following the concert, Stanford Live opened their student matinee season with Emel Mathlouthi and a more intimate concert at the Bing Concert Hall. This event was open to all Bay Area K-12 schools and teachers and included a Q & A session that was moderated by Dr. Ramzi Salti.

Emel Mathlouthi aka the "voice of the Tunisian revolution" brings her songs to Bing Concert Hall at Stanford University on Wednesday Oct 5, 2015 at 7:30 pm. The concert is preceded by a talk by Dr. Ramzi Salti and Prof Joel Beinin at 6:30pm. Buy your tickets here and arrive at 6:30 pm to attend both the talk + concert.

PRE-CONCERT TALK: At 6:30 pm, ]قز Ramzi Salti, host of the podcast Arabology, and Professor Joel Beinin set the stage for Emel Mathlouthi by discussing the Tunisian Revolution, how it launched the Arab Spring, and how her music became its soundtrack.

Tunisian singer and activist Emel Mathlouthi earned the title "the voice of the Arab Spring" with her 2007 recording My Word Is Free كلمتي حرة—and in the process became her country's Joan Baez (her role model).

"I see art as a very revolutionary way to change mentalities,” says the Tunisian-born Mathlouthi. This potent artist is a singer of compelling, confessional impact, whose music embraces suffering, love, and an ache for home. Though her roots are in folk music, her sound mingles rock, trip-hop, and electronica with Arabic undertones. Her songs of freedom and compassion also earned her a spotlight at the 22nd Annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert in 2015.

During this interview (conducted in Arabic with an English intro) Rami spoke of his journey to Turkey then, by dinghy with make shift tree branches for oars, to Greece and on to Belgium.

Rami also discusses his training as a swimmer, his experience at the Rio Olympics 2016, and his thoughts regarding the refugee crisis around the world.

Please check out and share my radio interview with this brave 25-year old Olympic swimmer who defied immeasurable odds to make it to the Rio Olympics 2016 as part of the Refugee Olympic Team: https://soundcloud.com/arabology/ramianis

Arabology 10.5 aired on August 18, 2016 and featured indie Arabic music by groundbreaking musicians from Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Syria, Kuwait, Sudan (Nubia), Morocco, Lebanon, Palestine/Israel--plus 2 tracks by Zebda the Spy from Cairo, including a special Fairuz remix.

Show also included interview with Arab American author Frank Gelat, author of the bilingual Arabic/English book of proverbs The Forbidden Heights (order your copy at www.forbiddenheights.com/main/book-buy)

This podcast also featured an interview (ft musical excerpts) with Egyptian American Opera singer Ashraf Sewailam who spoke about Opera in the Arab world and beyond.

In this interview, Sandra Arslanian about her album 'Home,' about fleeing her native Lebanon, and about being part of the country’s diverse music scene.

Sandra Arslanian was born at the beginning of the Lebanese Civil War in the 1970’s. Her family fled and resettled in Belgium, where she grew up, went to school, earned a degree in Communications and started working.

Upon returning to Beirut, Sandra launched a musical project which developed into the band Sandmoon, recorded three albums, played the local circuit and some major festivals, and produced several striking videos: www.youtube.com/user/Sandmoonmusic.

Arabology 10.4 featured an amazing array of indie music from Jordan, along with exclusive interviews (mostly in English) with Jordanian musicians and Jordan-based filmmakers.
This episode was recorded in Amman, Jordan in July 2016 and aired in California on Thursday August 11, 2016.

Here is a list of the filmmakers that were interviewed during the show:

1. Anas Khalaf, Director of Driving to ZigZigland, Searching for the Translator (short) and currently filming a feature titled The Translator in Jordan.

Anas Khalaf (left) with Dr. Ramzi Salti

Born in Syria, but raised in France, Anas moved to Los Angeles in order to work with Frederic Golchan Productions. Whilst in LA, he co-produced the feature Prospect and also served as First AD on The Adventures Of Frank Dern.

With BintFilm, Anas served as Executive Producer on Driving To Zigzigland (Winner Best Film, Amal Festival) and developed Sleeping On Stones (Middle East Screenwriter’s Lab and MFCB, Cannes).

His short Syrian film Deaf Day has toured international festivals. His current projects in development include The Sytuation, which will be produced by John Molloy of Mushroom Pictures, Australia and the short film Ham to be shot in Chicago.

Anas holds an MBA from the Normandy Graduate School of Business in France.

Zain Duraie is an independent writer/ director who has worked on several local and international productions in many different positions. She graduated with a film degree from the Toronto Film School were she wrote & directed 2 shorts as a part of her graduation project. Zain has been training her way up for the past two years at Philistine Films with acclaimed director Annemarie Jacir and producer Ossama Bawardi were she worked from pre-production to postproduction on their latest film When I Saw You. Duraie also just finished her first short film Horizon produced by Philistine Films. She also just co-starred in Rami Yasin's short Film Inovertime is currently writing her first feature length film broaching the topic of mental illness in the Middle East. (Source: IMDb)

Muhammad El-Khairy is a Freelance Director/Producer who has collected experiences in a number of capacities, most notably as director, producer, promotions producer, and editor on a variety of projects including television programs, feature films, documentary programs, web content, television promotion, short films, corporate films and corporate videos.

His mockumentary film #Hashtag was produced as web content and is available, with English subtitles, on YouTube and Vimeo. View below or at https://youtu.be/Sh8GnWPPHjQ

Bassel Ghandour is a Jordanian writer and producer, known for Theeb (2014), Glass Half Full: The Jon Hovac Story (2010) and The Hurt Locker (2008). Theeb (Arabic: ذيب‎‎, "wolf") is a 2014 Jordanian Arabic-language Oscar-nominated drama thriller film which focuses on a young Bedouin boy.

4. Interview with Faisal Attrache and Deema Dabis, Producers of From the Mountain من الجبل

With Faisal Attrache (left) and Deema Dabis (right)

From the Mountain is a Historical Drama/Biography that is being filmed in Jordan. It is set in 1922 Syria, under French colonial occupation where Sultan Basha Al Atrash rises up to regain his dignity, freedom and sovereignty when his guest is arrested. Interview with Producers Faisal Attrache and Deema Dabis was recorded in Jordan (July 2016)

Faisal Attrache is a Syrian American Director/Producer known for his work on Growing Home (2014), Documenters (2014) and Larry's Most Excellent Hypothesis (2012). His latest project, From the Mountain, tells the story of his great grandfather Sultan Basha Al-Atrash and will begin filming in Jordan in 2017.

Interviewing Deema Dabis, 2016

Deema Dabis holds a BA in Journalism and an MFA in Cinema from the Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts. She is currently working on a number of projects, including finishing her first short film, The Sri Lankan, and developing two other film projects, Swimming Over Jordan, and Shake, a narrative short that is a scene from a longer fiction film that she is developing. Dabis is also co-Director of the documentary shorts, Behind the Music: 47 SOUL 2013, and The Path to Ayla (2012).

Arabology 10.4 featured an amazing array of indie music from Jordan, along with exclusive interviews (mostly in English) with Jordanian musicians and Jordan-based filmmakers.
This episode was recorded in Amman, Jordan in July 2016 and aired in California on Thursday August 11, 2016.

Arabology interviews 2 remarkable singer-songwriters who are considered musical icons and voices for peace in different worlds, oceans apart: May Nasr, from Lebanon; Lourdes Perez, from Puerto Rico. This interview includes excerpts from their new Arabic-Spanish duet CD 'Written in Water.'